Pilot Proficiency

Sky Kings: Polishing the Rust Off

Tuesday, September 05, 2017 at 07:26 PM ET

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Getting back to the left seat of a complex airplane such as the Falcon 10 after a lengthy hiatus is not an easy feat. John King

Key Takeaways:

Even highly experienced pilots can quickly lose significant proficiency, including muscle memory and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), after a relatively short break from flying high-performance aircraft.
Regaining proficiency requires a structured approach, including simulator training, attentive monitoring, and dedicated instruction from knowledgeable and current pilots.
Through diligent practice and expert coaching, returning pilots can fully regain their skills, often improving in some areas, and experience a renewed joy and appreciation for flying.

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“Making power … airspeed alive … 80 knots … V1 … rotate … positive rate.”

John King started King Schools Inc., with his wife, Martha, in a spare bedroom of their home. Today, the school operates out of a dedicated complex in San Diego, California, that includes a video and software production facility. John and Martha have shared flying and teaching aviation for more than 50 years.